Solar panel installation a hot topic

Published 10:20 pm, Friday, November 29, 2013

Two months after the town's solar-energy adoption program kicked off, organizers have announced that installation contracts for more than 50 kilowatts worth of solar-energy panels have been signed.

The state-supported program pairs selected municipalities with local solar installers to encourage households to lower energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint by adopting their own individualized solar-energy systems. As part of the partnership between local governments and businesses, participants are eligible for leveraged group discounts -- the more individuals who sign contracts, the cheaper the cost of installation for all participants. The 50 kilowatt benchmark has pushed Greenwich into the third pricing tier out of five.

"We're pretty pleased with the turnout so far," said town Conservation Director Denise Savageau. "We've had a good response at our workshops, and a lot of people making a lot of inquiries for a consultation."

Some 170 residents have thus far approached Savageau and the town's partnering firm, Stamford-based Renewable Resources Energy Solutions, for a consultation to determine whether solar might be right for their home. All residences aren't created equal in that regard -- everything from tree shade to roof angle and condition can impact panels' effectiveness, and some homes just aren't up for the job.

Renewable Resources uses a method of aerial photography called Pictography to map sun projections on a home year-round, showing how positioning effects solar potential.

Such natural limitations, coupled with the short-term costs of solar adoption, have kept the number of signed contracts low, just nine.

But organizers suspect that will change. And soon.

Less than halfway through Solarize's run in Greenwich -- the last day to sign a contract is Feb. 18 -- many are expected to be on the cusp of a decision. Renewable Resources Managing Director Tom Loredo said he expects several more contracts to be signed in the coming weeks.

"We've delivered a considerable number of proposals," he said, "and many people who are strongly considering it are talking to their accountants and spouses. Several people we're working with have indicated they're almost ready to pull the trigger."

Loredo said many more contracts could be signed as early as next week.

Despite a whole lot of ground to cover in order to reach price tiers four and five, which go into effect only after 150 and 250 kilowatts worth of panels are contracted, organizers remain optimistic that the number is within reach.

They expect numbers to accelerate as prices get more affordable and early adopters begin getting the word out to their neighbors.

"The study of the towns in round one of the Solarize Program (in 2011) showed that the majority of sign-ups happen toward the end of the program's timespan," said Loredo. "It's typical in other states, everybody starts rushing toward the end."

The tiered pricing model may also help attract more residents to take the plunge later on in the program.

"All of a sudden people realize that it's cheaper," said Savageau, "and more people in the program start saying, `let's do this.'

"Now that all the context has been laid out, it's decision time," she continued. "And we all know we're pretty good procrastinators."

Solarize Greenwich is part of a statewide initiative spearheaded by the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority, a quasi-public entity promoting renewable energy though market-based incentives. Greenwich is one of six communities or coalitions selected to take part in the first phase of the initiative, currently in its third year.

A second slate of municipalities, including Stamford, was selected this month.